Ulster hooker Best has not played this season having undergone surgery on a neck injury last summer, but has recently returned to contact training.

Munster prop Horan returns having missed out on the autumn internationals after undergoing a routine medical procedure for a minor heart ailment.

The loosehead has not played for his province since the Heineken Cup win over Benetton Treviso in October but played 80 minutes for Shannon in their AIB All-Ireland league clash with Dolphin on Saturday.

The squad contains nine uncapped players, with Dan Tuohy and Declan Fitzpatrick the newest members to the squad for this season.

Ireland's Six Nations campaign will kick off against Italy at Croke Park on Saturday, February 6.